On Friday, February 28, 2025, the Matthew Reardon Center for Autism will host the 7th annual Savannah Autism Conference (SAC) at the Savannah Civic Center. This two-day event will bring together families affected by autism, autistic self-advocates, health professionals, and educators, all committed to enhancing understanding and support for the autistic community. 

“Autism is among the fastest-growing developmental disabilities in the U.S.,” says Jackie Smith, Executive Director of the Matthew Reardon Center for Autism. “According to the CDC, one in 36 children will be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When you consider the impact on families, friends, educators, healthcare providers, employers, and the broader community, the significance of autism becomes even more evident. Our mission is to educate the community, foster inclusion, and provide support for autistic individuals at every stage of life.”

The conference includes one days of informative workshops covering various topics including service animals, the importance of play in development, and dating on the spectrum. The exhibit hall will host a variety of resources for stakeholders in the autistic community. The opening plenary will be given by Reece Blankenship of ReClif Foundation. Reece along with his friend, Matt Olson, first baseman for the Atlanta Braves, are dedicated advocates for autism awareness and inclusion, working to support individuals on the spectrum through outreach, education, and community initiatives.

SAC is very excited to welcome back Dr. Temple Grandin as the keynote speaker. Grandin, a best-selling author and animal welfare expert, was nonverbal until age four and diagnosed with autism when it was poorly understood. Defying advice to institutionalize her, she earned a doctorate in animal science and is now a professor at Colorado State University. Her research on humane animal handling is widely implemented, and she is the subject of a biographical film and documentaries.

Tickets range from $60 to $99 and may be purchased at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-savannah-autism-conference-featuring-dr-temple-grandin-tickets-1079309246009?aff=oddtdtcreator To learn more about the conference, visit autismsavannah.org.  For information about exhibitor space or sponsorships, contact Mollie White at [email protected]. 

Established in 2000, the Matthew Reardon Center for Autism, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation in Savannah, GA, provides autism-related advocacy and outreach across southeast Georgia and operates southeast Georgia’s only accredited, year-round day school for children with autism. To learn more about the Matthew Reardon Center for Autism, visit matthewreardon.org.